Forum:Hogsmeade Hole?

Could someone explain something to me? The wizarding schools are known to keep their locations secret, correct? If I remember correctly, the exact location of Durmstrang is unknown. But Hogwarts is different. It's just southeast (?) of Hogsmeade Village. So, what's stopping other wizards, especially spies from other schools, from simple apparating to Hogsmeade and walking to the school?

I'll admit that I may be confused, and when it is said that the schools hide their locations, it meant simply from muggles. However, I believe I am recalling correctly. I also apologize if this is the incorrect place to post this in, as I am a new member here, although, the Hogsmeade discussion page was practically non-existent. Thanks. Immobulus 06:12, 15 July 2009 (UTC)

Below is an excerpt from Goblet of Fire, Ch. 11, in which the trio discuss the locations of the three known European magic schools:

"I've never heard of it [Durmstrang]," said Ron vaguely. "Where is it? What country?"

"Well, nobody knows, do they?" said Hermione, raising her eyebrows.

"Er — why not?" said Harry.

"There's traditionally been a lot of rivalry between all the magic schools. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons like to conceal their whereabouts so nobody can steal their secrets,' said Hermione matter-of-factly.

"Come off it," said Ron, starting to laugh. "Durmstrang's got to be about the same size as Hogwarts, how are you going to hide a dirty great castle?"

"Just you, then," said Ron. "So go on — how d'you hide a place like Hogwarts?"

"It's betwitched," said Hermione. "If a Muggle looks at it, all they see is a mouldering old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying DANGER, DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE."

"So Durmstrang'll just look like a ruin to an outsider, too?"

"Maybe," said Hermione, shrugging, "or it might have Muggle-Repelling Charms on it, like the World Cup Stadium. And to keep foreign wizards from finding it, they'll have made it Unplottable—"

I gather from this conversation that while Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons are all under some form of anti-Muggle protection, only Durmstrang and Beauxbatons take measures to hide their locations from foreign wizards as well. It would seem that Hogwarts is not Unplottable and that it doesn't feel it necessary to conceal its location from foreign wizards. ★Starstuff(Owl me!) 01:34, 17 July 2009 (UTC)

I must admit that I sure feel foolish now, because the thought never occurred to me that Hogwarts simply isn't unplottable.... Immobulus 03:34, 17 July 2009 (UTC)